In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom and Tom delve into Hannibal's audacious invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War. They discuss the historical context, including the rising tensions between Carthage and Rome, and the strategic reasons behind Hannibal's decision to attack Italy by crossing the Alps. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both the Roman and Carthaginian armies, Hannibal's motivations, his propaganda efforts to rally support, and the logistical challenges of moving a large army, including elephants, through Gaul and over the Alps. The hosts detail the initial stages of Hannibal's journey, the battles with Gallic tribes, and the crossing of the Rhone River, setting the stage for the perilous Alpine crossing.
